What can you tell me about the Management of acute Polymyalgia with Prednisone induced Cushing's Syndrome ?

I've had very bad Polymyalgia for a couple of years. I was only diagnosed a year ago. I was placed on Prednisone and the dose was gradually increased to 10mg a day. The pain and stiffness were still quite bad. They introduced Methotrexate 20mg once a week with the necessary follow-up calcium folinate the following day. The pain is still present but bearable. The Cushing's Syndrome is terrible, my face and neck are so swollen and red, I look like Santa Claus, and my ENT specialist says my trachea is collapsing from the pressure. I've been very careful not to put on too much weight with it, but the swelling is another matter. I'm so self-conscious that I've cut off personal contact with my friends, stopped going out unless I have to, I just stay alone because I'm so ashamed of how strange I look. I'm just feeling like this will never end.I know that the Cushing's is the trade-off for the pain. I'm feeling pretty desperate.

Thank you Empress Jan, You are right, and you're wrong.

The cause of mine is definitely huge doses of prednisone.. no tumour!

Cushing's is caused by a pituitary tumor (adenoma) and you need to see an endocrinologist. The tumor is causing the pit to give false hormones to the rest of the body, including weight gain (I know, went through this!). I had my tumor removed and the hump went away, but still had the weight gain. I eventually went on Topiramate for the weight (under dr. care), but I also had high choloestrol too (which caused fatty liver). So far that is working, but it's a slow weight loss, but it's working. My joints are not hurting any more; my migraines are minimal...you need to see doctor again. I believe the Prednisone is doing you more harm than good and do not take hormones!